by Aaron Polburn

So what do you think about...

So, what do you think about the new IHRA?

As a good friend of mine said, “If it works, it’s going to be spectacular. If it fails, it’s going to be spectacular.”

There is no in-between here, it will either be the most incredible worldwide introduction of drag racing ever, or it will make the Hindenburg look like a lit match. The view from a mile high looks like it may be the drag racing version of F-1 and that is not a bad model to follow. Especially if you have a zillion dollars to pour into the start up.

The first problem I see is the actual venues where these events are going to be placed. With a few exceptions there aren’t enough quality and race-safe venues to hold a truly international event. When I was president of IHRA I very much wanted to introduce our product in Mexico. What finally stopped the project was a lack of quality venues to race at.

This isn’t going to be your father’s IHRA. Before you condemn them, give them the opportunity to show the world that we had it all wrong. And if they go down in flames, the reinvention of AHRA is always on the horizon.

So, what do you think about the new NHRA TV presentation on Fox?

What I saw was a group of people who really worked their butts off to make a difference, but, as the expression (kind of) goes, “You can’t make a mountain out of a mole hill.” It did have a different look with the track graphics and the explanations weren’t dumbed down enough to honk off the hard-core fan. You could tell that everyone was nervous and that was to be expected.

The issue is still the same: How do you present a show that brings out the raw extreme nature of the sport when it doesn’t adapt to the TV screen very well.

As I said before, the key will be to make the viewer care about the driver. There must be a connection. There must be drama.

I would give the show a B and I believe it will only get better when Fox learns to inject its “on the edge” presentation to their newest baby.

So, what do you think about the new NHRA Pro Stocks?

I love the look. I love the EFI concept. Unfortunately, by the look of the stands the majority of fans would rather use the Pro Stock track time to use the restroom. And I don’t know how to fix that attitude.

But I will ask the question: Wouldn’t Pro Mod be a better fit than Pro Stock for fan interest and TV drama?

If you returned to drag racing, what job would intrigue you?

The time-slip passer outer at the ET shack. It’s kind of like drag racing’s answer to the Walmart greeter. And I wouldn’t be over-qualified.

RACE SAFE....GODSPEED.